An upper endoscopic ultrasound may examine the lining of the esophagus (food tube), stomach or duodenum (first portion of the small intestine), the pancreas, or other structures through a flexible tube with an ultrasound device on its tip. This allows a specially trained physician to view the area and identify any abnormalities. A biopsy may also be performed under ultrasound guidance.

Digestive System IllustrationCopyright A.D.A.M., Inc.

Plan to do in advance

Medications, Vitamins and Supplements:
To properly prepare for your procedure, you may need to make certain changes to your daily medication routine.

If you take insulin, consult with your physician about making any necessary changes in you daily regimen.

If you take medications that contain aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Motrin, Advil, Indocin, or Feldene), we recommend that you stop taking them seven days before your procedure. They may increase your risk of bleeding after removal of a polyp or a biopsy during your upper endoscopic ultrasound by interfering with the normal clotting of your blood.

If you are currently taking Coumadin or Heparin, you must check with your prescribing physician before changing or interrupting your daily routine.

Certain medications SHOULD be continued prior to your upper endoscopic ultrasound. If you take cardiac (heart) or anti-hypertensive (high blood pressure) pills, take them as you normally do with small sips of water.

In addition to changes to your medication:

Bring a list of all your medications (prescription medications, over-the-counter medications and eye drops) with you on the day of your procedure. You may bring the medication bottles themselves.

Be prepared to list and describe your ALLERGIES and REACTIONS to any medications.

Because you will receive a relaxing medication during your procedure, you must arrange to have a responsible adult pick you up and/or accompany you home if you taking public transportation. You may not operate an automobile or other mechanical equipment until the day following your procedure.

University of Pennsylvania Health System policy requires that you make these arrangements, or your procedure will not be performed.

On the day before your procedure

To ensure the most accurate results possible, it is important that you do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the day before your procedure, unless you are scheduled for an afternoon procedure (see "On the Day of Your Procedure"). The exception is medication taken with small sips of water.

On the day of your procedure

If you are scheduled for a morning procedure:
You should have nothing by mouth (including gum and mints) after midnight. The exception is medication taken with small sips of water.

If you are scheduled for an afternoon procedure:
You may continue drinking small quantities of clear liquids up to 6 hours prior to your scheduled arrival time.

Drinkg clear liquids including water, apple juice, ginger ale, sprite, beef or chicken broth WITHOUT noodles, coffee or tea WITHOUT cream or milk, most sodas, sherbet, pop-sicles, and Jell-O that is not red or orange. DO NOT DRINK ANYTHING RED OR ORANGE.

On the day of your upper endoscopic ultrasound, please come directly to the requested location at your scheduled arrival time and check in with the receptionist. Plan to spend several hours at the unit to allow time for your preparation, your procedure, and your recovery.

Before the procedure, a nurse will greet you and assist you with changing into a hospital gown. An IV will be placed in your arm. You will receive relaxing medications through the IV during the procedure. You will be lying on your side for your endoscopic ultrasound and the flexible tube will be passed into your mouth and throat into the upper digestive tract. The test takes approximately 1 hour to complete.

After your procedure

After the endoscopic ultrasound, you will be taken to the recovery area where you will be monitored until most of the effects of the relaxing medication have worn off.

You may have some cramping or bloating as a result of the air placed into your stomach during the procedure.

The Endoscopist will discuss the results of your procedure with you prior to your discharge. You will receive discharge instructions on the day of the test.

Your endoscopy report and biopsy results will be sent to your referring physician.

If you would like to speak to a nurse regarding your procedure or preparation, or if you need to reschedule your procedure, please call the appropriate number:

These instructions apply to patients scheduled for procedures at the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and Penn Medicine Radnor. However, your doctor may give you different instructions or procedures. If you have questions about your procedure, contact your physician at the Digestive & Liver Center.